, Research Paper
“Without Africa, France will have no history in the 21st century.”
(Fran ois Mitterand)
I was disturbed by the writings and discussions concerning where that blame was to be placed in the Rwandan genocide, ending in a million Rwandans dead. Although a sole unit cannot receive the burden of all those victims, I find it unacceptable to assert that such a gruesome reality can be justified the way Bruno Delaye, chief adviser on Africa for French President Fran ois Mitterand, insisted when he explained, “Africans were just that way.”
Regardless of one s personal opinion if international communities involvement in other countries conflicts is right or wrong, we must recognize the action that was taken and the intervention that did take place. However elementary that may seem, I think in the case of France in the Rwandan genocide, their action is covered up by their non-action. Despite African nations forty years of independence from their French colonizers, France continues to wield considerable political control in many of its former colonies. I will argue France s continued interest in Francophone Africa is due to not only their economic investments but also because of their desire to nurture and expand the French culture, enabling France to claim a larger stake in the international scene. Moreover, I will argue such their selfish quest for prestige and rayonnement (glory), contributed indirectly to thousands of murdered in the1994 Rwandan genocide. Although I am not asserting the desire of France to regain French Honor is responsible for each gruesome act in Rwanda, I find it essential to look more closely at the role of France by questioning both their obvious and discreet tactics as they supported the genocidal government of Habyarimana and Hutu Power.
From the beginning of imperial expansion, economic control has been the guiding principle of French policy toward Africa. Still today, France plays a vital role in the French economy as a source of raw materials and other investments. In 1992 France s rate of dependency on Africa for minerals was 100 percent for cobalt, 90 percent for uranium, 83 percent for phosphate and 70 percent for bauxite. The point extracted from those facts is meant to reveal that despite French claims, French is indeed reliant on Africa for numerous resources.
Still, such an argument cannot justify France s investment in Rwanda, because natural resources are not abundant for French exploitation. However, protection of Rwanda would mean more stability and control in the wealthy region. Backing Rwanda offered a chance to outdo Belgium, its old colonial master, but also to humiliate Anglo-Saxon forces
France s influence in international sphere is strongly reliant on their holdings in Africa. However, that influence changed dramatically at the end of the Cold War when there was no longer a need for a mediator for Africa, resulting in decreased France involvement and influence in the international community. Unfortunately for France, the only remaining claim to french influence in the world systems is their strings attached to Africa.
From the beginning of imperialist exploitation, France looked to expand their powers and culture, far beyond the borders of Europe. As colonizers France looked not to simply expand territory, but expand French culture. La Francophonie, one of France s most powerful institutions illustrates the vital role that culture and language play in French foreign policy. Developed in the early 1960 s, the Francophonie was designed to unite the French speaking people of the world under one common identity, to maintain ties between France and other French-speaking countries, and to protect French language and culture from the encroachment of “Anglo-Saxon” influence.
The force of la Francophonie was evident in Rwanda by France s unremitting support for French-speaking Habyarimana against the invading “Anglo-Saxon” rebels from Uganda. It is recorded that Habyarimana greatly impressed French president Fran ois Mitterand with his assimilation of French values. Fluent in French, supposedly a devout Catholic, Habyarimana used such attributes to strengthen his bond with Mitterand. France s blind commitment to Habyarimana is what many scholars argue shaped Habyarimana understanding of Anglo-Saxon invasion, which supported his decision to embark on the dangerous course of civil war.
Ever more disturbing is “Fashoda syndrome,” which is still very much apart of French political thinking, according to which the whole world is a cultural, political and economic battlefield between French and the “Anglo-Saxons.” As Gerard Prunier explains,
Everybody knows that “Anglo-Saxons,” the modern reincarnation of “les Anglais,” are among the worst enemies the French ever had; and for the French there is no possible peace in the battle against them; any lull in the confrontation is only tactical; nothing less than the total victory of one of the contending parties will bring an end to the conflict.
Thus, French control over Francophone Africa, and the millions of French-speaking people on the Continent, is an essential factor in the “battle” and a major influence on French action in Africa.
To analyze how this “battle” took place in Rwanda, it is necessary to look at both obvious and discreet tactics. I am categorizing military and economic action as an obvious intervention, whereas political debate and decisions I define as discreet. I find it important to recognize that both tactics were equally influential as France used both throughout the genocide.
Obvious tactics would include France s delivery of arms and training of Hutu soldiers. In February 1993 French authorities sent 500 troops to “indirectly command” and assist the Rwandan forces in halting the RPF advances. They also stepped up delivery of arms, sending up to twenty tons of arms a day. France s Operation Turquoise launched in mid-June is another disturbing chapter in their biased involvement. France claimed their motivation was “to stop the massacres and protect the populations threatened with extermination.” However France desired to paint their intentions with Operation Turquoise, an obvious conclusion is although one purpose of the intervention was to save lives, France s trumping purpose was to prevent a victory by the RPF. In fact Vice-President of the National Assembly s Defense Committee Jaques Baumel described the RPF as English speakers from Uganda who were “threatening the privileged position of France in Rwanda.” Such aggressive action in the region seems to require international support. It is through France s discreet tactics that they gained the sort of stature in relations with the African nation that obvious intervention seemed to be justified.
French diplomats and military officers discussed the risk of genocide beginning in 1990 and, according to former Ambassador Martres, the 1994 genocide could have been foreseen as early as October 1993. However, because of France s old loyalties, France continued to support the Rwandan government in discussions with the Security Council where France holds a permanent seat. France also dragged their feet according to Belgian diplomatic correspondence, by preventing the United States and Belgium from addressing Habyarimana after the January 11 telegram, which would support Habyarimana to halt preparations for violence. It is such discreet actions that seem to indicate that France had ulterior motives in Africa. It was not mistaking ethnic majority for political majority. France intervened as supporters of a genocidal government because of their opposition to Anglo-Saxon intervention. The leaders were well informed
as to the dynamics of the situation in Rwanda, and then took action that prolonged the violence.
French government officials still refuse to accept responsibility or apologize for France s role in the genocide. I feel the implications of such action without responsibility for the repercussions cannot be an acceptable path in the international community. As we search for any sort of justice for the tragic events, it is essential to recognize that outside parties were influential in their roles. We cannot stand back and claim innocence when we are aware of these horrible deeds. Such selfish actions should not and cannot be tolerated on the world stage. If we, as a people, desire to have unifying peace we must recognize our responsibility. If such action goes without notice, we will all soon turn our backs on each other, and each one of us will stand alone.
Bibliography
Hollifield, James and George Ross, eds. Searching for The New France. New York,
Routledge, 1991.
Human Rights Watch. Leave No One Alone. www.hrw/reports/1999/rwanda
Martin, James. “Who Cares about Africa?,” America 13 May 1995: 16+.
Omaar, Rakiya and Alex de Waal. Rwanda: Death, Despair and Definace. London:
African Rights, 1995.
Prunier, Gerard. The Rwanda Crisis: History of a Genocide. London: Hurst and
Company, 1997.
www.pbs/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/evil/readings
Другие работы по теме:
Jewish Societies Essay Research Paper Until the
Jewish Societies Essay, Research Paper Until the late 18th century, The Jewish societies all over the world were treated unfairly. Hatred and discrimination were used against because of their
Hati Essay Research Paper The Caribbean Islands
Hati Essay, Research Paper The Caribbean Islands are one of the most traveled to place in the world. One of these islands in the Caribbean Sea is the island of Hispano, which is both the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This country has a recorded history of about 552 years. They also have special culture.
Rwanda Essay Research Paper Some tens of
Rwanda Essay, Research Paper Some tens of thousands fled to neighboring countries and others hid within Rwanda, in the ceilings of houses, in holes in the ground, in the forest, in the swamps. Some bought their lives once, others paid repeatedly for their safety over a period of weeks, either with money or with sexual services.
Rocket Essay Research Paper comes to hockey
Rocket Essay, Research Paper comes to hockey, both groups share a deep passion. English-Canadians proudly cheer for their Toronto Maple Leafs, while the French-French and English
Uganda Essay Research Paper UgandaUganda is a
Uganda Essay, Research Paper Uganda Uganda is a landlocked country on the equator in East Africa. Its capitol, Kampala, is one of the largest cities in the country. It is bordered by Sudan to the north, Kenya to the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Rwanda, Tanzania, and Lake Victoria to the south and the southeast.
Historic Culture Essay Research Paper Historic CultureFor
Historic Culture Essay, Research Paper Historic Culture For hundreds, perhaps thousands of years, the native Mi’kmaqs hunted and fished the bountiful lands and waters of present-day Nova Scotia. Soon after John Cabot’s exploration of North America in 1497, European fishermen sailed to the shores of the new land, eager to take advantage of the seemingly endless cod stocks.
Hutus
’ And Tutsis’ Essay, Research Paper The culture of the Hutu and Tutsi tribes of Rwanda, Africa interests me for many reasons. One reason is that they are so diverse from our American way of life. Another reason is that I have heard a little bit about them in the news and by talking to people. This sparked my interest and made me want to learn more about them.
Rwanda Population Essay Research Paper Rwanda PopulationRwanda
Rwanda Population Essay, Research Paper Rwanda PopulationRwanda s population has traditionally been composed of Hutu,Tusi and Twa peoples.however, civil stife at independence and genocidal civil warin 1994 have altered thesepercentages. the 1991 offical cenus estimated the country s population at 7,164,995.
Rwanda Essay Research Paper Rwanda a republic
Rwanda Essay, Research Paper Rwanda, a republic in East central Africa, bounded on the north by Uganda, on the East by Tanzania, on the South by Burundi, and on the West by Lake Kivu and Ziare. Rwanda covers an area of 10,169 sq. mi. Rwanda?s flag has 3 vertical stripes of red, yellow, and green with a capitol R in the yellow stripe. 44.2% of the population is between the ages of 0 to 14.
The Hutu And Tutsi Tribes In Rwanda
Essay, Research Paper The Hutu and Tutsi Tribes In Rwanda The Hutu and Tutsi’s tribes of Rwanda have been at war for centuries. The fighting began 5 centuries ago when the Tutsi a warrior tribe of Hamatic
French Rev Essay Research Paper The year
French Rev Essay, Research Paper The year 1989 marks the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution. To celebrate, the French government is throwing its biggest party in at least
Praise Of A Bilingual Country Essay Research
Paper Praise of a Bilingual Country In the essay English as Second Language, English as First Love , Stephen Baker, the author, suggests that the United States should adopt English as its official language. He does not like the idea of the United States not having an official language, and does not want the United States to become bilingual.
Ethnic Restaurants Essay Research Paper Ethnic RestaurantsI
Ethnic Restaurants Essay, Research Paper Ethnic Restaurants. I always wondered to the fact that United States of America doesn’t have a unique culture. In fact it is the world’s most multicultural country. The country has a lot of different cultures, and not one is similar to the others. No culture is better or worse than another.
Civil War In Rwanda Essay Research Paper
In this essay I will be writing about the civil war in Rwanda. I will be explaining, why it happened, how it happened, when it happened, and give you all the details.
Genocide In Rwanda Essay Research Paper Genocide
Genocide In Rwanda Essay, Research Paper Genocide in RwandaThe definition of genocide as given in the Webster?s College Dictionary is ?The deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group.? This definition depicts the situation in 1994 of Rwanda, a small, poor, central African country.
England And Global Language Essay Research Paper
This essay will be about the prohibition of English words in France by law. It is quiet a big problem to forbid words only because the government is afraid that it s own language could die. The spread of English all over the world and it s position as global language can t be stopped or disputed and that is why I think that it is irresponsible to outlaw English words.
John Doe Essay Research Paper French Revolution
John Doe Essay, Research Paper French Revolution “Revolutions evolve in definite phases. At first they are moderate in scope, then they become radical to excess and finally they are brought to abrupt conclusions by the emerg…
French Government Essay Research Paper The modern
French Government Essay, Research Paper The modern French government is run very much like the government of the United States. France is a democratic republic that is divided into three branches,
The French Language Charter Essay Research Paper
Expository Essay – The French Language Charter In 1977, the French Language Charter (Bill 101) was introduced to the residents of Quebec by the Parti Quebecois . It made French the official language in the province. Bill
Intewrnationl Day Essay Research Paper International DayInternational
Intewrnationl Day Essay, Research Paper International Day International Day was a day where the students from foreign country’s get to share there pride in there country and culture and that’s exactly what they did. This international day was the first one I’ve ever attended and I will attend them from now on.
Defining Culture Essay Research Paper Some definitions
Defining Culture Essay, Research Paper Some definitions of culture emphasize its basis in meaning. All human activity involves meaning, and this is what distinguishes it from the activity of non-human animal species. Culture, then, arises exclusively from human activity and excludes other species.
Metric System Essay Research Paper Metric SystemThe
Metric System Essay, Research Paper Metric System The Metric System, also known as the System Internationale (SI) was developed in France in 1799. The Metric System was created because the French and English were not in agreement politically, therefore the French did not want anything to do with the English including their system of measurements.
France Society Essay Research Paper Luis LereboursFrench
France Society Essay, Research Paper Luis Lerebours French II 5/19/99 French Culture Introduction Not large by North American standards (about the size of Texas), France is nonetheless extremely diverse: it concentrates a wealth of scenery, regional identities each with their own particular flavor defined by cultural and historic differences.
The French And Indian War Essay Research
Paper The French and Indian War The French and Indian War was fought on July 9, 1755. This battle took place at Fort Duquesne, in western Pennsylvania, which was one of the many
French Essay Research Paper From a young
French Essay, Research Paper From a young age, the French are taught to adhere to a certain schedule which helps them learn to be more independent people as they grow older and become adults. Typical work hours for the French are from around nine in the morning until about six in the evening. Interestingly lunch is an important meal for them and they set aside around two hours in the afternoon for this meal.
Joan Of Arc 2 Essay Research Paper
Saint Joan of Arc Joan of Arc (Jeanne d Arc in French) was born on the year of 1412, in Domremy, France. Born into a family of four other brothers and sisters, Joan never learned to read
How Meritorious Is The French Education System
? Essay, Research Paper How meritorious is the French education system? In my opinion, the French education system is faulty and undeserving. Meisler portrays for us in animated detail, the torture that French pupils go through in their schooldays. It is also relatively easy for me to understand this scenario because in my country, India, the scene is strikingly similar.